Eric Lauer Looks for Reset After Joining Injury-Hit Dodgers Pitching Staff

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to adjust their pitching depth after injuries to key starters Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell left notable gaps in their rotation. In response, the organization moved to strengthen its staff by acquiring left-hander Eric Lauer from the Toronto Blue Jays.

Lauer arrived in Los Angeles after being designated for assignment on May 11, a move that marked a sharp shift following a strong 2025 campaign. His 2026 season, however, has been far more uneven, leading to questions about his role and long-term outlook.

The Dodgers, who have remained aggressive in addressing pitching needs, view Lauer as a depth option capable of contributing both as a starter and out of the bullpen. His versatility became a key factor in the decision to bring him into the organization.

Speaking publicly after the move, Lauer addressed the transition and outlined his focus on returning to form within a new environment.

1. A Fresh Start In Los Angeles

For Lauer, the trade represents an opportunity to reset his season within one of baseball’s most competitive organizations. He emphasized that conversations with Dodgers staff reinforced their belief in his underlying ability and potential for improvement. “Yeah, I think just even having the conversation I just had with Briar, there’s a lot of things that they see in me that we could get back to where I was, and that’s pretty much what I’m here for,” Lauer said. “I’m here to help the team win and get back to being the best version of myself.” The left-hander expressed appreciation for the chance to join a team with postseason expectations, noting that the change of scenery could help stabilize both his performance and confidence. He framed the move as an opportunity rather than a setback. While his numbers in Toronto included an ERA of 6.69, Lauer suggested that the Dodgers believe his struggles are correctable rather than permanent.

2. Adjustments And Mechanical Focus

Lauer pointed to both mental and mechanical factors as areas of focus as he begins working with Dodgers pitching coaches. He described the transition as a chance to reset his approach and refine aspects of his delivery. “I think it’s a couple of slight adjustments. I think it’s a little bit of a mental break, a change of scenery I think is good for everybody every once in a while,” Lauer said. “But there’s a few mechanical things that I definitely want to work on.” He added that the Dodgers staff has already identified possible tweaks to help him regain consistency on the mound. Those adjustments, while not fully detailed, are expected to be integrated gradually as he settles into the system. Lauer stressed that experimentation and refinement will be part of the process, emphasizing his willingness to adapt in order to regain effectiveness at the Major League level.

3. Role With A Contending Rotation

Upon joining the Dodgers, Eric Lauer was officially added to the 40-man roster, making him eligible to contribute immediately as the team manages ongoing pitching shortages. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that Lauer could be used in multiple roles, including a potential start as early as next Tuesday, while also remaining available out of the bullpen depending on game situations. That flexibility is particularly valuable given current injuries within the rotation. With Glasnow and Snell sidelined, the Dodgers are expected to rely on a combination of established arms and depth additions to stabilize innings during a critical stretch of the season. Lauer’s arrival provides another option in that effort. While his long-term role remains to be defined, the organization views him as a potential contributor capable of helping bridge gaps in both starts and relief appearances as the season progresses.